2017 Meet the Doctors

Author: Special to CH2

Karen A. BouchardPhysician Assistant at LUX~A Medical Spa

What is your field of expertise?
My expertise is in treating patients with injectables, including Botox and dermal fillers. I also treat patients with CoolSculpting, laser, and BBL, and provide skin care consultations. With training in dermatology and plastic surgery, I can assess patients, listen to their concerns and provide recommendations or treatments to meet their needs and goals.

Where did you study medicine?
South University’s Physician Assistant Program in Savannah, Ga., class of 2008

Tell us about the best day you’ve had in your career so far—the day you knew you had made the right choice.
Nearly every day has been an affirmation to me that I made the right choice. I love the versatility of being a PA, with the ability to flex into different specialties, take a little more time with my patients, listen to them, and really appreciate their needs.

At what point did you decide you wanted to be a physician assistant and why?
My decision to become a physician assistant came a little later in life than the traditional student. I initially majored in graphic design right out of high school. In my late 20s, I discovered my true passion for medicine after experiencing some challenging medical difficulties with my first child. I was fortunate to find an excellent physician, who took time to listen to my concerns and brought her back to good health. This physician inspired me to do the same for others.

If you could have chosen another career, what would it have been?
I might have considered a career as a first-grade teacher, or a middle/high school art or science teacher.

If you had some “healthful” advice to give to our readers, what would it be?
Take time to take care of yourself. Exercise regularly, meditate or pray, have a spa treatment, get a massage, read a good book, watch the kids or grandkids play or even better, get up and play with them, and eat good quality food. This will keep you centered and allow you to be a better person in every way.

What is your field of expertise?
I’m a board-certified family physician and hospitalist.

Where did you study medicine?
I began my medical training performing research for several years at Brown University. I then completed medical school at New England Medical in Maine, followed by my internship and residency at St Luke’s Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where I was chief resident for two years.

Tell us about the best day you’ve had in your career so far—the day you knew you had made the right choice.
The best day of my career to this date was January 11. It was on this day that I opened my very own family practice and became a small business owner. This has allowed me to combine my love for practicing medicine with my dream of owning my own business. By having a membership-based practice, I’m able to care for patients with the goal of optimizing their health and giving them the peace of mind that I will always be there for them.

At what point did you decide you wanted to be a physician and why?
I’ve always wanted to be a physician, but this was confirmed at a young age when my cousin was diagnosed with schizophrenia. My family was frustrated by the medical system and our inability to get him the help he needed. It was at that point that I decided I definitely wanted to be a family physician so I could be at the frontline of medical care. It was there that I could make the most impact on people’s lives and build the relationships that are so coveted in primary care medicine.

If you could have chosen another career, what would it have been?
If forced to choose another career, it would have to combine my love of creativity and Walt Disney World! I would be an Imagineer for Disney. How neat would it be to see the joy and amusement on the faces of others, because of something I helped build?!

If you had some “healthful” advice to give to our readers, what would it be?
Your body is your number one asset. Most people wouldn’t consider waiting until they’re older to start saving for retirement, or waiting until their car breaks down to start performing routine maintenance. You should look at your health in the same manner. Don’t wait until you start having medical issues to optimize your health or seek medical advice. At Vital Personalized Healthcare, wellness is one of our top priorities, along with time, access and quality of your care. You are our number one priority and so is helping you meet your health goals.

Where did you study medicine?
The University of Louisville School of Dentistry; University of Alabama at Birmingham / Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

Tell us about the best day you’ve had in your career so far—the day you knew you had made the right choice.
The day I opened my own practice was definitely a high point in my career. I value the opportunity and role a pediatric dentist fulfills in a child’s life. I knew that working with children reinforced my strengths and talents, and the pediatric dental specialty was the right path for me.

At what point did you decide you wanted to be a physician and why?
When I was a child, I had a fear of going to the dentist. It made me determined that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of other children and make coming to the dentist fun and not terrifying.

If you could have chosen another career, what would it have been?
I welcome the responsibility that comes with “being someone’s dentist” and would not change any part of the path that I have walked. I wanted to be the doctor that my patients could count on, who would give them her honest best, and who would develop the relationship and trust that my patients and their parents have come to respect and appreciate.

If you had some “healthful” advice to give to our readers, what would it be?
It is essential to establish a proper oral hygiene routine early in life to help ensure the development of strong, healthy teeth. Parents, as consistent role models, are key to setting a daily routine and helping their children understand the importance of oral hygiene. Tooth brushing should be presented as a habit and an integral part of the daily hygiene routine. Children are very sensitive to social stimuli such as praise and affection, and learn best by imitating their parents.

Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head
(843) 757-7336
Coastal-Pedo.com

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Thomas C. Beller, MDAllergy & Asthma Center

What is your field of expertise?
Allergy and Immunology

Where did you study medicine?
I went to medical school at University of Miami. I trained in internal medicine at University of Texas Southwestern, and in allergy and immunology at the famous Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Harvard University.

Tell us about the best day you’ve had in your career so far—the day you knew you had made the right choice.
A man came to see me for chronic shortness of breath of unclear etiology. I treated him with a combination of medications and allergy shots. He came in a few months later. He had tears in his eyes when he told me that I had completely changed his life.

At what point did you decide you wanted to be a physician and why?
In the beginning, it was a matter of practicality. I failed as a stockbroker and needed a more stable career. I remember medical school being so interesting and stimulating that I fell in love with medicine over time.

If you could have chosen another career, what would it have been?
I could see myself as a patent attorney. I love inventions and dreaming up new ideas.

If you had some “healthful” advice to give to our readers, what would it be?
I think a large part of being healthy starts with your state of mind. Mental health and physical health are hard to separate. Happiness contributes to healthiness.

What is your field of expertise?
Periodontist, Licensed and Certified in LANAP protocol, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner

here did you study dentistry?
Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and the University of Maryland School of Graduate Dentistry

Beside brushing and flossing, how can I make my gums healthier?
Nutrition is critical for a healthy body and a healthy mouth. Processed grains and processed sugars cause bad bacteria to overgrow in your gut and in your mouth. Eliminating processed grains and sugars will go a long way to improve your mouth and your overall health.

What’s new and exciting in the world of dentistry?
Laser treatment is revolutionizing the way gum disease is treated today. There are many lasers in dentistry and medicine, but the procedure called LANAP® that uses the PerioLase Laser requires no scalpels and no sutures. This treatment kills the bad bugs and frequently helps your own bone to regrow.

If you had some “healthful” advice to give to our readers, what would it be?
Make healthy food choices and healthy lifestyle choices to improve your overall health and the health of your mouth.

If you could have chosen another career, what would it have been?
I probably would have been an educator in the healthcare field.

Where did you study medicine?NYU College of Dentistry; NY Methodist Hospital Advanced Dental Residency; Dawson Academy; American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Best advice you’ve ever gotten:
Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life; and don’t let negative people steal your energy just because they’ve lost theirs. Instead, surround yourself with positive people who can inspire and bring out the best in you.

Tell us about the best day you’ve had in your career so far—the day you knew you had made the right choice.
There have been many great days that have made me feel blessed to do what I do, but one of my best days would have to be when I was able to help a woman who had been a victim of a domestic violence assault. She was only 46 years old, but she had had all her teeth knocked out. With the help of my team, we were able to restore her smile and help her regain her self-confidence. In the end, it was a gift to the patient from many of those who cared. It has always been important to me to help those in need.

How do you help patients obtain the smile they wish to have?
Cosmetic smile design requires a precise attention to anatomical detail and artistic talent by both the dentist and the choice ceramist. As an artist, I get excited when I can create and help people get the results they have always wanted. When someone comes into the office for a smile consultation, they are so happy to learn that there are many options for enhancing their smile. As a Dawson Dental scholar, I’ve received extensive training that can help our team handle the most complex cases.

If you had some “healthful” advice to give to our readers, what would it be?
Choose to be healthy! Educate yourself about nutrition and the foods you eat, be active, get adequate sleep, and practice prevention through good home care.

Dr. Shane Harpham (“Dr. Shane”), wife Melissa and children Calista (age two) and Caleb (age one) are residents of Bluffton and owners of Sea Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Shane is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and served as the Chief Resident at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where he completed two years of specialized pediatric dental training. He has been recognized for his treatment of children with special health care needs and recently started a non-profit organization to help serve the dental needs of children locally, regionally and globally. Currently, he is building an exciting new surf-themed pediatric dental office, opening this summer, where any kid can “Catch A Smile!” Dr. Shane’s healthful advice is to “floss every time you brush your teeth,” and he encourages children to find a way to make brushing their teeth FUN!

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In September of 2006, Celebrate Hilton Head (CH2) burst onto the scene with a fresh perspective on Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and the surrounding Low Country. At the helm was a team of young women (all under 30!) with no experience whatsoever in the publishing industry. The first year they made up the rules as they went along. CH2 (and CB2 – Celebrate Bluffton and Beyond), has evolved into a well-respected publication with over 150 advertisers and a distribution to over 47,000 locals and visitors each month.

Content ranges from Interesting Islander profiles and arts and entertainment pieces to food and wine topics and Hilton Head and Bluffton Business Profiles. CH2’s Bachelor of the Year Contest has blossomed into a greatly anticipated media event every year with viral marketing (i.e., Facebook, Twitter) contributing to the annual readership of those issues pertaining to the contest and over 700 people attending the Bachelor of the Year party held every October held at a local Hilton Head or Bluffton entertainment spot.

CH2 strives to give back to the community in which they have been so successful by sponsoring charitable events in both Hilton Head Island and Bluffton (Bluffton’s MayFest, put on by the Bluffton Rotary), donating editorial space to worthy organizations (Bold Strokes, Volunteers in Medicine, March of Dimes), and making the Hilton Head Island Rec Center the recipient of monies raised in conjunction with the Bachelor of the Year Contest.